Margibi County, Liberia – Normal academic activities came to a grinding halt at Duazon Public School in Margibi County Friday, September 12, 2025, leaving hundreds of frustrated students stranded after classrooms were reportedly locked on the alleged orders of District #1 Representative, Hon. Roland Opee Cooper.
According to a group of students who spoke to Verity News said the unexpected closure occurred after individuals described as “disadvantaged youths” were brought in to forcefully shut down the school.
“Our lawmaker put us outside and locked our class doors,” one of the students said, visibly angered. “If you have a problem with the school, why punish us? Why can’t you face the authorities instead of disrupting our education?”
Most of the affected students had traveled long distances for school, only to be turned away. Many expressed deep disappointment, accusing the lawmaker of abusing his elected position for personal interest.
Dispute Over School Leadership
Verity News has gathered that the closure may be linked to ongoing tensions between Representative Cooper’s office and the District Education Officer (DEO) over the reassignment of the school’s principal, Mr. Paul T. Weh. Sources say Rep. Cooper has reportedly opposed Mr. Weh’s removal, insisting he should remain as principal.
“The lawmaker keeps saying he built the school, so he decides who runs it,” a school administrator disclosed.
However, historical accounts and local sources reveal that Duazon Public School was originally constructed in the early 1980s by the Ireland-based group IRD, in partnership with Liberia’s Ministry of Education. While Hon. Cooper is said to have played a role in re-surveying the 5.25-acre property, elders in the community confirmed that the lawmaker was not the sole contributor.
Official Response
When contacted for comment, District Education Officer Mr. Joseph T. Fallah declined to go into full detail, stating that the matter is currently under review by the Ministry of Education.
“Mr. Kangar, we will get to the press as soon as we conclude our meeting with the lawmaker,” Mr. Fallah said during a phone interview. He, however, commended Verity News for seeking balanced reporting. “This is ethical journalism, and my office appreciates your outreach.”
Despite multiple attempts, efforts to reach Representative Roland Opee Cooper for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
The school, which has served the Duazon community since its founding in 1982–83, has educated generations of students and remains one of the key public institutions in the area. Parents and education stakeholders are calling for swift resolution to prevent further disruption to students’ learning.
